As winter approaches, an unusual sight is drawing attention in the markets of Cox’s Bazar—piles of fresh watermelons, a fruit typically associated with the summer heat. From roadside stalls to established shops, vibrant stacks of watermelons have already taken over the market scene, surprising many shoppers.
A visit to several local markets shows watermelons selling at Tk 70 per kg at roadside stands, while permanent shops are charging Tk 90–100 per kg. Despite the slightly higher price, eager customers are stopping by to enjoy the fruit’s early-season sweetness.
Mohammad Ismail, a roadside vendor, said, “Good-quality watermelons are available right now. They’re quite sweet too. Prices are decent, but once the supply increases, the price will come down.”
Ismail’s comments reflect the familiar market cycle—early arrivals often mean higher prices, which gradually fall as supply expands. Although watermelons can be found outside their usual season, the taste isn’t always reliable. This year, however, sellers say the early watermelons are medium-sized but surprisingly red and juicy inside.
Many buyers said they were initially surprised to find watermelons in the market during winter, but since the fruit is a family favourite, they didn’t hesitate to pick one up. Some chose half, while others bought whole melons—eager to get a taste of the season’s first harvest.
This year, the arrival of winter in Cox’s Bazar has brought not just a cool breeze but also the sweet nostalgia of summer through early-season watermelons. Both sellers and buyers expect prices to drop further as supply increases. Until then, the colourful rows of watermelons remain one of the main attractions in the marketplace.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
